ADVANCED FASHION LAB COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Advanced Fashion Buying
This advanced Buying course will introduce the students to how a Buyer needs to analyze their business
in order to make the planned profit goals that their companies expect and how this differs between the
different channels of distribution. Topics that will be covered are the basics of the profit and loss
statement, pricing product to maximize markup, taking timely markdowns, planning sales and inventory
control. Students will be exposed to formulas and retail reports to familiarize themselves with different
ways to react to business conditions. 1- Credit
Explore WEB PDM (Product Data Management)
Fashion apparel merchandisers, retail product managers along with creative and technical designers
around the globe all currently utilize a web based product information system, known in the industry as
WEB PDM. This web based program enables students to research and translate current fashion
inspirations as they create a fashion concept and product line. Students acquire a working knowledge of
the many stages of apparel product development, while analyzing garment specifications and details.
Style folders and “tech packs” for apparel product lines are created. 1-Credit
Private Label and Specification Buying in the Fashion Industry
Apparel producers and retailers continue to move toward diversifying and creating specialized product
lines and branded items for their stores. This course provides a comprehensive look at the
merchandising environment with specific emphasis on the role of private label and specification buying
at all fashion price levels. Students explore the retail marketplace to analyze key brands according to
product design, quality and price for specific target markets. 1-Credit
The Retail Store Event
This course explores store retailing event planning format, structure, purpose as well as challenges and
integration of retail events. Students gain an understanding of the retail industry and are exposed to
the planning of events in retail global spaces. Students will develop a concept on how to plan a winning
celebrity appearance. Develop an eye for choosing the appropriate celebrity for an event, developing
the proper themes for the appearance, and gain insight of the role of producing a high-end in store
celebrity appearance. Students are introduced to: the store/vendor’s point of view, sponsorship writing
to buyers, and choosing the floor space. Career paths and opportunities in retail event planning are
further defined and explored. 1-Credit
Fashion Styling 2
Fashion styling 2 expands and builds upon the learning of Fashion Styling 1 by providing students with
additional opportunities as stylists and styling assistants. The advanced level fashion styling class
stresses attention to detail and hands-on learning applications and experiences.
Students will focus on the “how to’s” of working with specific types of showrooms as well as visit
Manhattan wardrobe suppliers and build upon the first photo shoot experience. Students will work in
small group creative styling teams to create, develop, implement and produce editorial and/or
commercial “stories” with focus on magazine, advertising, advertorial, and catalog. 1-Credit; $35
Photography Session Fee: $40
Celebrity Styling 2
Celebrity fashion styling 2 expands and builds upon the learning of celebrity fashion styling 1 by giving
students new opportunities to broaden their knowledge base in the field, while building confidence and
esteem through added experiences and an added level of learning, inside and outside of the classroom
environment.
Planned field trips will include visits to single/multi-tiered clothing and accessory sources, or designer
showrooms, with emphasis on celebrity dressing. The course will build from concept to casting to a
fashion shoot with a professional fashion photographer. 1-Credit; Photography Session Fee: $40
Fashion Magazines 2
Fashion Magazines 1 looks ‘inside’ the magazine, focusing on the business aspect of fashion publishing
(advertising, sales, and marketing), the analytical side of magazines (editorial intent, readership) and
writing. Fashion Magazines 2 will look ‘behind’ the magazine. Students will experience a ‘studio class’
giving the student hands-on instructions in topics ranging from photography, styling, layout and
graphics. Fashion Magazines 2 will focus on the visual elements that make up a fashion magazine.
Students will be required to style, photograph, and lay out their own fashion shoots, trend pages, and
editorials. (Digital Camera required); 1-Credit